Theodore Long recounts how he became SmackDown General Manager: WWE Hall of Fame 2017 (WWE Network Exclusive)WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017 inductee Theodore Long describes the long and winding road that led him to a leadership role on SmackDown. Courtesy of WWE Network.04/01/2017 - 00:06

Teddy Long proposes a tag team match for WWE Money in the Bank: Raw, June 6, 2016Former SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long does what he does best.06/06/2016 - 22:00

Teddy Long makes a surprise return to WWE: Raw, June 6, 2016As tensions rise among the Money in the Bank Ladder Match participants, former SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long steps in with a bold proposition.06/06/2016 - 21:28

Infamous Superstar Screwjobs - WWE Top 10, May 7, 2016The "official" help Charlotte received in her victory at WWE Payback 2016 wasn't the first time WWE authority figures assisted in putting the screws to a Superstar. Check out 10 of the most controversial moments where secret plots unfolded right in the middle of the squared circle.05/05/2016 - 12:49

Teddy Long proposes to Kristal Marshall: SmackDown, June 22, 2007Hold up, playa! Teddy Long is about to pop the question to his lady love.10/06/2015 - 14:35

Power Struggles: WWE Top 10, Nov. 8, 2014Take a look back at when Mr. McMahon, Eric Bischoff, Ric Flair and more put their power on the line.11/07/2014 - 10:42

It's Party Time with the Top 10 SmackDown Moments - October 10, 2014Relive the 15th Anniversary of SmackDown with the Top 10 moments from the show! From dancing to Cesaro swinging, the top moments are all here!10/10/2014 - 18:27

What you didn't see on Smackdown: WWE.com Exclusive, Oct. 10, 2014Be the first to watch Booker T and the members of Team Teddy celebrate SmackDown's 15th Anniversary with a showcase of Spin-a-roonies.10/10/2014 - 16:21

A 15-Man Tag Team Match between Team Teddy & Team Laurinaitis: SmackDown, Oct. 10, 2014Both Theodore Long and John Laurinaitis hope to be named "The Greatest General Manager in SmackDown History."10/10/2014 - 14:36

Theodore Long interrupts Stephanie McMahon and John Laurinaitis to create a history making 15-Man Tag Team Match: SmackDown, Oct. 10, 2014Former SmackDown General Managers, Theodore Long and John Laurinaitis, both strive to make history on tonight's SmackDown.10/10/2014 - 14:04

Height

5'7''

Weight

173

Hometown

Atlanta

Career Highlights

Theodore Long: Bio

Theodore Rufus Long began his career in sports-entertainment at the bottom, running errands for competitors like Abdullah the Butcher and sweeping up the ring between matches. That he went on to become SmackDown’s General Manager is a testament to Long’s hard work, smarts and keen understanding of professional wrestling that is matched by few.

Working his way from the ground up, Teddy learned everything there is to know about the squared circle by experiencing it. First performing odd jobs for the Atlanta-based Jim Crockett Promotions, Long eventually became an official and presided over many of Ric Flair’s biggest matches. From there, he turned to managing where he guided heavy hitters like Ron Simmons, Butch Reed and Sid to major success.

In 1999, he joined WWE, once again working as an official before transitioning back to managing. Repping bad dudes like Mark Henry and Rodney Mack in a stable dubbed Thuggin’ and Buggin’ Enterprises, Long displayed his knack for harnessing the raw power of tough Superstars.

T-Lo proved he was more than just a gifted guide in 2004 when he became the first African-American General Manager of SmackDown. Bringing some much needed swagger to the position, the executive refused to be intimidated by tough Superstars, as he fined Kurt Angle and stripped Booker T of the United States Title. He even beat Eric Bischoff in a battle of General Managers at Survivor Series in 2005. But Teddy’s true talent has always been doing the right thing. Case in point, he placed Rey Mysterio in a Triple Threat bout for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22 after the masked man had been cheated out of his spot by Randy Orton. The Master of the 619 grabbed the coveted title thanks to this opportunity.

Following a 2008 stint as ECW General Manager that saw Long introduce Kofi Kingston, Jack Swagger and Evan Bourne to the WWE Universe, the Alabama native reclaimed his SmackDown GM position. Although he’d become the longest running GM in WWE history during that tenure, it hadn’t been an easy one. From being kidnapped by The Undertaker to getting attacked by Drew McIntyre, Long had his share of rough nights, but it never stopped him from working to entertain the WWE Universe.

Though Long’s time as SmackDown GM ended unceremoniously at WrestleMania XXVIII when rival John Laurinaitis won control of the blue brand, WWE fans will long remember his many contributions to SmackDown. In 2017, Long was given the ultimate honor for his contributions to sports-entertainment: induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.